reticence

noun

ret·​i·​cence ˈre-tə-sən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being reticent : reserve, restraint

2

: an instance of being reticent

3

: reluctance sense 1

Synonyms of reticence

• reluctance

Examples of reticence in a Sentence

the publisher's reticence to make content available online for free

Recent Examples on the Web

Serena tells him his former boss Elliott Wyatt recommended him highly, which is strange given his former reticence. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Dems are using the disparity to press Jackson on his debate reticence. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026

That new reticence signifies a change from when she was paid to share her life on TV. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

At the library, questions about how the case split the town were greeted with polite reticence. — Glenn Rice, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

reticence

noun

ret·​i·​cence ˈret-ə-sən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being reticent

a witness's reticence that was unhelpful to police

2

: an instance of being reticent

3

: reluctance